I watch what some may consider to be an unhealthy amount of sports during a normal year. But during the Olympics, my viewing gets cranked up to 11. I love seeing the variety of events that don’t normally get television coverage. Since the Opening Ceremony Friday night, I tried to catch as many as I could. Here are a few reflections.
Opening Ceremony
Brazil’s greatest export is someone who has earned a bazillion dollars using that most profitable athletic skill of all...walking.
Opening Ceremony
Brazil’s greatest export is someone who has earned a bazillion dollars using that most profitable athletic skill of all...walking.
Women’s Gymnastics
Our five ladies represent Hispanic, Jewish, Caucasian, and African American backgrounds. Funny how when people focus on excellence above all else, diversity just sort of, you know, happens.
Swimming
--Michael Phelps’s remarkable turn off the wall in his relay was just one small, yet powerfully obvious, example of why he is history’s greatest swimmer.
--While I can’t wait to see Usain Bolt run the 100m next week, the men’s 4x100 swimming relay is still the best single event in the Olympics.
--The only thing that can beat Katie Ledecky this week will need to have an outboard motor on it.
Women’s Archery
The ladies from South Korea obliterated their opponents; they should henceforth be called the Katie Ledeckys of archery.
Our five ladies represent Hispanic, Jewish, Caucasian, and African American backgrounds. Funny how when people focus on excellence above all else, diversity just sort of, you know, happens.
Swimming
--Michael Phelps’s remarkable turn off the wall in his relay was just one small, yet powerfully obvious, example of why he is history’s greatest swimmer.
--While I can’t wait to see Usain Bolt run the 100m next week, the men’s 4x100 swimming relay is still the best single event in the Olympics.
--The only thing that can beat Katie Ledecky this week will need to have an outboard motor on it.
Women’s Archery
The ladies from South Korea obliterated their opponents; they should henceforth be called the Katie Ledeckys of archery.
Beach Volleyball
Why do women wear half a sports bra and a thong, while the men wear full length shirts and shorts? This question was repeatedly asked by my wife, who I think just wants to see dudes with their shirts off. But, it’s a fair observation.
Men’s Water Polo
Speaking of uniforms, I caught a bit of the U.S. vs. Croatia match. And there’s absolutely no good reason for men to ever wear this...
Why do women wear half a sports bra and a thong, while the men wear full length shirts and shorts? This question was repeatedly asked by my wife, who I think just wants to see dudes with their shirts off. But, it’s a fair observation.
Men’s Water Polo
Speaking of uniforms, I caught a bit of the U.S. vs. Croatia match. And there’s absolutely no good reason for men to ever wear this...
Women’s Rugby
I don’t have the first idea what is going on out there (why are they lifting each other??), but I do know I’m not tough enough for it.
Judo
Yet another sport to which I don’t know the rules. But what I really don’t understand is why such loose clothing is worn for a grappling sport. Within the first 30 seconds, everyone just looks disheveled.
Handball
Like basketball and soccer players together invented a game in the parking lot of a bar they just got drunk in. Fouls seem to be completely random, you have to keep one foot in place—sometimes—and apparently falling down while shooting is a tremendous sign of athleticism. Love it.
I don’t have the first idea what is going on out there (why are they lifting each other??), but I do know I’m not tough enough for it.
Judo
Yet another sport to which I don’t know the rules. But what I really don’t understand is why such loose clothing is worn for a grappling sport. Within the first 30 seconds, everyone just looks disheveled.
Handball
Like basketball and soccer players together invented a game in the parking lot of a bar they just got drunk in. Fouls seem to be completely random, you have to keep one foot in place—sometimes—and apparently falling down while shooting is a tremendous sign of athleticism. Love it.
Basketball
Both the men’s and women’s teams will win golds without even breaking a sweat. I don’t think a return to using college players is quite the answer, but a new under-25 age requirement would give some fresh faces a chance on the world stage and bring back some much needed parity.
Volleyball
With all due respect to the incredible athletes on the men’s and women’s basketball teams, none of them can jump as high as volleyball players.
Women’s Soccer
I watched nearly every minute of the American ladies’ victory over France, 1-0. Yes, one score in 90 minutes. I know this is a tired refrain, but as much as we support our soccer players, we will never fully care when so little action occurs. Sorry.
Both the men’s and women’s teams will win golds without even breaking a sweat. I don’t think a return to using college players is quite the answer, but a new under-25 age requirement would give some fresh faces a chance on the world stage and bring back some much needed parity.
Volleyball
With all due respect to the incredible athletes on the men’s and women’s basketball teams, none of them can jump as high as volleyball players.
Women’s Soccer
I watched nearly every minute of the American ladies’ victory over France, 1-0. Yes, one score in 90 minutes. I know this is a tired refrain, but as much as we support our soccer players, we will never fully care when so little action occurs. Sorry.
Rowing
Rowing events can be cancelled because of wind. Did everyone else know this? Makes sense, because here’s why.
Rowing events can be cancelled because of wind. Did everyone else know this? Makes sense, because here’s why.
Men’s Table Tennis
These guys might have the most incredible reaction times in all of sports. But all I can think of while watching is how everyone I ever played against in basements and garages cheated on their serves. You must toss the ball in the air, not hit it directly out of your hand. I lost a lot of childhood friends enforcing this rule.
Enjoy the rest of the Games!
These guys might have the most incredible reaction times in all of sports. But all I can think of while watching is how everyone I ever played against in basements and garages cheated on their serves. You must toss the ball in the air, not hit it directly out of your hand. I lost a lot of childhood friends enforcing this rule.
Enjoy the rest of the Games!